Date: Thu, 16 Mar 2000 08:06:51 -0500
Reply-To: Maryland Birds & Birding
Sender: Maryland Birds & Birding
From: Arlene Ripley
Subject: Flag Ponds, Calvert County, 3/15
Comments: To: MD-SMAS-GENERAL@LIST.AUDUBON.ORG
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Yesterday I took an abbreviated hike through Flag Ponds. I was serenaded by
Spring Peepers and Pine Warblers almost everywhere I walked. Highlights
were 8 Northern Gannets far out in the bay, more Surf Scoters than I have
ever seen there (>100), a small flock of Bonaparte's Gulls, and one
immature Bald Eagle at the beach. The phoebes and Wood Ducks are back too.
The ephemeral wildflowers (Spring Beauty, Cut-leaf Toothwort) and violets
are beginning to bloom along upper lower North Ridge trail and . Spicebush
(Lindera benzoin) is in full bloom and the beach plum buds are ready to
burst. Butterflies observed were Mourning Cloak, Spring Azure, an
angle-wing and a female Falcate Orange-tip. It can only get better!
The park is closed on weekdays until Memorial Day but is open on weekends
from 9-5. A fee is charged.
////// Arlene Ripley
| || Calvert County, MD
| 0 || aripley@nestbox.com
| || http://www.nestbox.com
||
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